Sykes to return to big time with tasty Campbell clash

Gary Sykes will take on Hull's Luke Campbell on the undercard to Kell Brook's IBF Welterweight title fight in Sheffield on March 26.

Published:09:54Thursday 18 February 2016

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Dewsbury’s Gary Sykes will return to the boxing big time next month when he meets Olympic gold medal winner Luke Campbell in Sheffield.

The clash will take place on the undercard to Kell Brook’s IBF welterweight title fight against Kevin Bizier on March 26 at the Sheffield Arena, with Matchroom Boxing finalising the details this week.

Sykes, who turned 32 last weekend, is relishing the challenge and the chance to box in front of the Sky Sports cameras once more.

Campbell won his opening 12 bouts as a professional and was being tipped for glory until a shock defeat to Frenchman Yvan Mendy in December and the clash against Sykes is seen as a way to get the Hull man’s career back on track.

Speaking to The Reporter, Sykes said: “They see me as a name, I’m under no illusions about that and I know Campbell has been training out in Miami and will want to put on a show.

“It will be a really big occasion and we are in the limelight but I am not going just to make the numbers up.

“People will see I have only had one fight in the last year but throughout all that time, I have been in the gym, learning new ways of fighting.

“People may not have seen me for quite a while and I know I’ve got to perform.

“We are six weeks away from the fight and already I am feeling fit.

“In the past I have gone into camps needing to get fit but my diet is now better and I’m sure I will feel really healthy at the weight.

“I entered the Prizefighter Lightweight tournament when I was still down at super featherweight.

“I beat Anthony Crolla and felt sure I had beaten Terry Flanagan in the final and both those have gone on to win world titles.